May 24, 2019

On May
17, students from Windham High’s social studies classes had the
opportunity to learn how early 20th century advances in technology
and transportation transformed many aspects of life. To support this, Toby Stinson, of Owls Head Transportation
Museum (OHTM), was onsite with three working Model T Fords.

Student, Brady Jackson, stands beside a Model T Ford.

Jeff
Neal, Windham High School U.S. and World History and World Politics teacher organized
the event. Neal stated, “There is nothing like students physically seeing, touching
and smelling a relic. This is something you cannot get with modern technology.
I’m hoping this will inspire the students to experience and preserve the past.”

The Model
T’s on display included an open, 1910, 3-seater, a covered, 1915 5-seater, as
well as a “cut away” enabling students to view the engine and drivetrain
internals of these early automobiles.

Stinson
kicked things off, “In the early 20th century we saw the beginnings
of mass production and at the center of this was Ford’s Model T.” Stinson
reminded the group, “At the time these cars were built, America was a rural
agrarian society and everyone had horses. In fact, there were more blacksmiths
than doctors, as blacksmiths were required to work on wagons and shoe horses.”

The
benefits of these first automobiles were many. Stinson commented, “A horse
takes time to get ready and doesn’t like bad weather. A machine doesn’t get
tired or complain. Once these cars were mass produced you could buy a brand new
one for $240, which was cheaper than outfitting and maintaining a horse.”

Stinson
shared, “My dad used his car as a tractor to haul potatoes and pull boats out
of the water. It was also considered a portable supply of power. My dad could
cut 10 cords of wood in a day, with a saw powered by his car.”

Stinson
then covered the topic on how owners started, operated and drove these early
automobiles.

The first
step was confirming there was enough fuel. This was done by dipping a stick of
wood in the 10-gallon tank, which was found under the seat. Next, you would
check the oil. This was done by opening a valve. If oil dripped out you were
good-to-go and, if not, you needed to add some.

“Realize,
in 1915 these cars were considered non-polluting, compared to a horse,” Stinson
reflected, “For example, on the streets
of New York City, horses excreted over a thousand gallons of urine and
thousands of pounds of manure daily. The biggest health challenges at the time were
diseases of filth, such as diphtheria and cholera. The transportation industry
helped to eliminate that.”

Next,
Stinson shared that Model T’s had a hand throttle with 2 forward speeds (slow
and fast); fast being a relative term. While these cars would only do upwards
of 25 miles per hour, that was fast compared to a horse and buggy.

Starting
the Model T required the most attention. Stinson emphasized the importance of
properly holding the crank, because not doing so may result in a backfire which
could wrench your shoulder or break your wrist.

“From
the beginning, Henry Ford’s goal was to make cars affordable for virtually anyone,”
Stinson noted. “As an example, during early production Ford learned that black
paint dried a little quicker than other colors. Considering the economics of buying
large quantities of paint he determined that sticking with black made the most
sense.”

Stinson
continued, “Ford used the most advanced technology and best materials available
to build the most durable automobiles possible.”

Stinson
reminded the audience, “These cars were built when there were no roads. As
such, Ford designed these cars for a rugged environment, to last long while
remaining cheap. For example, Ford was the first to fully enclose the engine
and drivetrain to prevent dust, dirt and mud from entering and damaging the
internals.” Stinson also explained that what is referred to as a ‘dashboard’
today, was actually a feature to dash away dust and bugs.

The
automobile industry continued to evolve, driven by consumer needs and wants. Once
people had cars, they wanted more: a roof, side curtains and to be fully
enclosed. Later, accessories such as heat and windshield wipers were
introduced. All things we now take for granted.

“The
industrial revolution and more specifically, mass production, resulted in
societal change,” Stinson stated to the students. “Humans had been using horses
for 10,000 years. In the early 1900’s this completely flipped with the
introduction of the automobile. People no longer had the same limitations on the
distances they could travel and things they could accomplish. This all began
with innovation and resulted in explosive technology which literally changed
the world. Due to the impact on society, many consider Henry Ford the single
most powerful person at that time.”

One of
the students asked if they could drive a Model T, to which Stinson responded,
“Come to our museum and we may be able to arrange that. At the museum the cars run,
and the planes fly.”

The
Owls Head Transportation Museum (OHTM) is a nonprofit educational organization.
Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and operate pre-1940 aircraft,
ground vehicles, engines and related technologies significant to the evolution
of transportation for the purpose of education. Learn more about OHTM at:http://owlshead.org.

Students
took part in a run-a-thon fundraiser during their second Annual Community Day
at Windham Primary School. On Thursday, May 16, the students gathered
with community members to recognize all of the hard work of the students and to
present community groups with checks for the funds raised. In total, the event
raised $7,217.44.

The
kindergarten classes raised a total of $1,771.50 for the Windham Public
Library. Samantha Cote

The students at Annual Community Day

accepted the check from Dr. Rhoads and top
individual fundraisers Caleb Sargent, Ben Freysinger and Charles Hager. The top
Kindergarten classroom was Mrs. Carver with $434.00.

The first-grade
classes raised a total of $1,659.25 for the Windham Fire Department. Chief
Brent Libby accepted the check from Dr. Rhoads and top individual fundraisers
Luke Russell and Michael Hall. The top first-grade classroom was Mrs. Shibles
with $510.00.

The second-grade
classes raised a total of $2,181.50 for the Maine State Society for the
Protection of Animals. Kathy Woodbrey accepted the check from Dr. Rhoads
and top individual fundraisers Dylan Emmons and Byron Davis. The top second-grade
classroom was Ms. Hopkins with $592.00. Four local businesses also
contributed matching funds to second graders for their support of the MSSPA.

The third-grade
classes raised a total of $1,605.19 for the Windham Historical
Society. Susan Simpson, Carol Manchester, and Jason Farley accepted the
check from Dr. Rhoads and top individual fundraisers Rocco DiDonato, Renner
Gerrity, and Adyson Miller. The top third-grade classroom was Mrs. Grund
with $319.00.

Community
Day was started as a service-learning opportunity highlighting community groups
that support RSU 14, and reflecting on how students can, in return, support
those groups. Windham Primary School students were grateful for the
opportunity to show how much they appreciate their community. An amazing
job was done by all.

Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) moved
another step closer to conserving 252 acres of forestland in South Bridgton a
couple of weeks ago. LELT announced that it was recently awarded $12,500 from
the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation to help purchase the property,
which will be called “Peabody-Fitch Woods.”

Narramissic Farm. Conserving this land will ensure public access for recreational
opportunities including hunting, walking, and nature observation.LELT plans to enhance the existing pedestrian trails
located on the property and has engaged local clubs to make sure that a snowmobile
and ATV corridor on the property remains accessible.

This
award adds to grant money already received from several other foundations,
including the Fields Pond Foundation, Davis Conservation Foundation, Stephen
and Tabitha King Foundation, Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust and an anonymous
foundation along with many donations from individuals in the community.

“We
have received incredible support from the community for this conservation project,”
says Matt Markot, LELT’s Executive Director. “In partnership with the Bridgton
Historical Society, we are eager to protect this land. The site of a once
prosperous and well-known family farm in South Bridgton, it has incredible
cultural, historical and ecological value. Once protected, this land will continue
to benefit our community forever.”

LELT seeks
to raise the rest of the money needed to purchase the property before a June 30th,
2019 deadline. To date, LELT has received 95% of the funds and needs just another
$17,000 to purchase the land. Private donations from individuals will be
critical in achieving this goal. Complete information about the project,
including maps and the option to donate online, can be found at www.lelt.org/pfw.
Checks to support Peabody-Fitch Woods can also be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust,
8 Depot Street Suite #4, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Loon
Echo Land Trust (LELT) is a member supported, non-profit land trust that works
to protect the natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region. Loon Echo
conserves 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of recreational trails in
the towns of Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and
Sebago. These important natural spaces protect the region’s water
resources and wildlife habitat, maintain rural character and provide public
access to outdoor recreation
such as hiking, hunting, fishing and skiing. For more information about Loon
Echo’s land conservation projects or information on how to get involved, visit
their website www.lelt.org,
Facebook page,
or call 207-647-4352.

I began this series of visiting the statehouse to capture
a glimpse of a day in the life of our local delegates. I have had the pleasure
to visit and report on: Rep. Sue Austin, Rep. Jessica Fay and Rep. Mark Bryant,
all of whom have been accommodating and welcoming. Last week, I spent the day
with Rep. Corey.

The intention of this series is to share with our readers
the work and focus of our state officials while

Rep. Corey with John and Linda Gregoire (and Sen Diamond).
Corey is working on bill LD 84 to to allow spouses
to Provide home and community-based services
to Eligible MaineCare Members

they represent us in Augusta. I
do hope that the past articles have contributed to some informed insight of the
process. But I must admit, I think it is I who is learning the most from the
experience.

My day with Rep. Corey began at 8:30 a.m. where we sat
for ½ hour in the State House café and spoke over coffee. It was a “slow day”,
Corey told me (Slow is a relative term. It seemed busy to me.) This gave us
time to talk for a while, providing an opportunity for him to discuss with me
his committee work and the bills he has introduced.

He is a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Committee. “We focus on issues facing and bills that affect the Department of
Corrections, county jails, State Police, the opioid problem and human
trafficking,” Corey began. “This includes issues surrounding domestic violence
and rape.”

He is also a member of the Maine Marijuana Commission
which focuses on medicinal and adult use of cannabis and on the development and
administration of a regulated marketplace in the State for adult use marijuana
and the regulation of the personal use of marijuana and the home cultivation of
marijuana for personal adult use.

Corey stated that his major interests include bringing
Maine citizen voices to the initiative process, working on constituent related
issues, and protecting law-abiding, mentally stable residents from gun control
measures. In fact, Corey introduced LD-85. “It’s a law that would encourage
gunowners to lock up their guns by providing a sales tax exemption with a
purchase of a locked storage unit for guns,” stated Corey. “The bill passed the
House and the Senate, but it sits on the appropriations table.”

As I learned from Rep. Bryant, and Corey reiterated,
bills that go to the appropriations table, “go there to die” and have to be revived
again during the next legislative session. The bills that affect the state
budget are the only bills that go to the appropriations table – and in this case
– it is the reduction of sales tax for a lock cabinet/gun safety.

Corey also sponsored a bill that has passed and is now
law, LD 79, An Act To Protect Shooting Ranges.
“There is a hunting safety law that states you cannot shoot a firearm within
300 feet of a building” explained Corey. “There was an incident in which a
shooting range which has been in existence for many years but faced a
challenge. A neighbor had purposefully built a structure on his land and within
the distance that would require the range to shut down. The landowner had
admitted that he purposefully built the structure to shut the range down. The
law passed unanimously by both the House and Senate and was signed into law by
Governor Mills.”

But Corey’s interests do
not end there. He is still working on LD 84, “Resolve, Directing the
Department of Health and Human Services To Allow Spouses To Provide Home and
Community-based Services to Eligible MaineCare Members.” He specifically works
on this bill as a result of Windham residents, John and Linda Gregoire. John
has had ALS for 10 years and his wife, Linda, has been providing home care
assistance without pay.

Other
bills that Corey has worked diligently on and have recently passed and are now
law include: LD 648, An Act
To Improve Reporting of Operating Under the Influence Offenses and LD 858, Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To
Study and Make Recommendations for the Establishment of a Maine School Safety
Center.

After our coffee and conversation, Corey went to his
Caucus meeting (in which the public is not allowed) and then on to the House
floor where I got to observe in detail, the various laws being considered and/or
passed. During the session, Corey would vote, and then come back to the galley
to explain in detail “what just happened.”

Visiting our legislators is an experience and, an amazing
one at that. I would highly encourage all individuals to visit Augusta just
once – to witness the process of a bill becoming a law and the difficult and
complex work in which our delegates participate on our behalf.

Raymond
is a treasure box full of undiscovered artists and craftspeople. As a result,
and wanting to honor and recognize the local talent, Raymond Arts Alliance (RAA) is coordinating local artist displays at the
Raymond Village Library. The artwork will be on display on a two-month rotating
basis.

Artwork by Jennifer Fuller

The first display, currently highlighted at the library, is
from the work of Jennifer Fuller, a glass artist. It features fused glass,
lampworking, blown glass, and stained glass. Fuller also works a variety
of glass processes to create handmade jewelry, plates, decorations, and
custom designs.

"I am an autistic artist who is both mentally and
physically disabled and though my past has much abuse and depression,
glass art has been a bright spot in my life. It has helped me through the
past several years and more recently given me the opportunity to focus on
learning more, look to future possibilities with my art, meet amazing people,
and feel like I am part of an encouraging, supportive community of people
who all have a passion for glass art like I love to do,” Fuller said about
art in her life.

Fullers
work will be on display until July 7.

During the months of July and August,
WHS 2017 graduate Holden Willard and his
father, Don, will have their artwork on display. Recently, Holden received
best in show in a world-wide competition at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod
after he submitted a self -portrait to the center’s “The WORKS” competition.
Holden attends the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA.

His father, Don – a known leader in the
community as the Raymond Town Manager, is quite unknown as a talented artist in
his own right. His imaginative steam punk pieces are as beautiful as
they are useful and his “found objects” metal sculptures are not to be
missed!

Briefly,
Raymond Arts Alliance is on a mission to strengthen the Raymond arts community
and bring people together while enjoying beautiful expressions of artistic
skill and imagination.

“We
agree that the arts should be accessible to everyone whether you
are an avid art student, collector, professional fine artist, weekend hobbyist,
or someone looking for the perfect gift,” explained RAA Board Member, Kim Hansen. “The joy of making, viewing and sharing the arts
brings people together. What better place to take part in
appreciating beautiful things than a place set up specifically for community
- the Raymond Village Library.”

There
will also be a “meet and greet” the artists to be announced soon.

May 17, 2019

Sometime
in the late afternoon or early evening of December 8, 2017, four-year-old
Kendall Chick lost her life.

We now
know that what caused her death was sustained, brutal child abuse by Shawna
Gatto, the fiancée of Kendall’s grandfather, Stephen Hood. At the trial, which
I was present for much of, we learned that police found splatters of Kendall’s
blood all over the house and a dent in the sheetrock where Kendall’s little
head was slammed into a wall. We learned that when Stephen asked about his
granddaughter’s multiple bruises and injuries, Shawna made up stories about a
clumsy child, a “drug baby” who couldn’t get out of her own way and “tripped
over air,” who picked at scabs and was “a bleeder.” Gatto also took steps to
hide Kendall from public view, for fear that her abuse would be discovered.

Maine’s
Chief Medical Examiner Mark Flomenbaum testified at the trial that Kendall’s
fatal wound was a combination of about 15 to 20 previous injuries along with a
lacerated pancreas, associated with some sort of trauma about 12 hours prior to
her death. It was very clear that this was not the sort of injury a 4-year-old child,
even a clumsy one, could inflict upon themselves falling over or running into
something. It was abuse, plain and simple.

Last
week, Maine Superior Court Justice Bill Stokes found Gatto guilty of the crime
of depraved indifference murder, which, according to Maine murder statue, means she “engage[d] in conduct
that manifests a depraved indifference to the value of human life and that in
fact cause[d] the death of another human being.” In rendering his verdict,
Justice Stokes noted Gatto’s repeated, callous attempts to conceal her abuse of
Kendall and the sheer amount of trauma to Kendall’s body as evidence of Gatto’s
depraved indifference for Kendall’s life.

The
trial was brutal, and rehashing these details now is painful, but this verdict
is an important step toward accountability for Kendall’s killer. Unfortunately,
we will never be able to bring Kendall back or undo the pain and torture that
she suffered.

The
very least we in Maine government can do is reaffirm our commitment to
protecting children and take steps to ensure that this never happens again.

Kendall’s
death was, at its core, a failure of Maine’s child welfare system.

Kendall,
who was born addicted to drugs, was placed with Gatto and Hood, two people
recovering from drug addiction, when she was taken from her mother, who was
also battling addiction. Despite these circumstances, DHHS only checked in on
Kendall once during the three years she lived there.

Had they
visited, they may have seen the blood spatter, bruises and cuts that police
found after her death. Another visit from DHHS could have saved Kendall’s life.
That visit didn’t happen, and she died.

Logan
Marr, a 2-year-old child, died in the care of a former DHHS worker in 2002, and
since then, through seven DHHS commissioners and four administrations, we’ve
had a lot of promises and good intentions, but children are still dying. To fix
this, we need an honest, vigorous examination of the state’s child welfare
system, and we need real reform.

This
will take a coordinated effort from DHHS, the Legislature, the courts and law
enforcement. I have a bill in to start this process, by creating
a Legislative Commission to investigate issues at DHHS and propose legislation
to make changes. I am hopeful that this can be a step toward improving our
efforts to protect Maine children.

If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, please feel free
to contact my office at 287-1515 or diamondhollyd@aol.com. I work for you, and
my line is always open.

Boy
Scout, Samuel Cole of Windham has been awarded the highest honor in Boy Scouts,
the Eagle Scout rank. Cole celebrated his achievement with a ceremony and
reception at Windham Hill United Church on April 28th.

To
reach the rank of Eagle Scout, Cole and other scouts must complete at least 21
merit badges and do a community service project which involves fundraising,
proposing the idea to the town and BSA council, planning, recruiting helpers
and producing a project that benefits the community. With the request of a
much-needed structure by the Windham Parks and Recreation Dept. Cole
constructed a pavilion at Dundee Park that was completed in November with his
fellow Troop members of Troop 51 and several adults and friends.

Cole
will be graduating from Windham High School with the class of 2019 in June and
then he will be attending Clark University in Worcester, MA in the fall. He is
the son of Jennifer and Larry Cole.